What Kind of Headache Do I Have?

Headaches
come in several different sizes, shapes, and colors, so to speak. In
fact, if you search “headache classification,” you will find the IHS
(International Headache Society) 152-page manual (PDF) lists MANY
different types of headaches! Last month, we discussed migraine
headaches. This month, we’ll talk about the other headache types. So WHY
is this important? Very simply, if we know the type of headache you
have, we will be able to provide you with the proper treatment.
Headaches are classified into two main groups: “primary” and “secondary”
headaches. The “Primary” headache list includes: 1) Migraine; 2)
Tension-type; 3) Cluster; 4) “Other primary headaches,” of which eight
are listed. One might think that with this simple breakdown of the
different types of headaches it should be easy to diagnose a type of
headache. Unfortunately, that’s NOT true! In fact, a 2004 study
published that 80% of people with a recent history of either self- or
doctor-diagnosed sinus headache had NO signs of sinus infection and
actually met the criteria for migraine headaches! So, the more we can
learn about the different types of headaches, the more likely that we
will arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Tension-Type Headaches:
This is the most common type affecting between 30-78% of the general
population. It is usually described as a constant ache or pressure
either around the head, in the temples, or the back of the head and/or
neck. There is typically NO nausea/vomiting, and tension-type headaches
rarely stop you from performing normal activities. These headaches
usually respond well to chiropractic adjustments and to over-the-counter
pain relief medications, though we’d prefer you first reach for an
anti-inflammatory herb like ginger, turmeric, bioflavonoid, and the like
as these have less stomach, liver, and/or kidney related side-effects.
These headaches are typically caused by contraction of the neck and
scalp muscles, which can be result of stress, trauma, lack of sleep,
eyestrain, and more.

Cluster Headaches:
These are less common, typically affect men more than women, and occur
in groups or cycles. These are VERY DISABLING and usually arise suddenly
and create severe, debilitating pain usually on only one side of the
head. Other characteristics include: a watery eye, sinus congestion, or
runny nose on the same side of the face as the headache. An “attack”
often includes restlessness and difficulty finding a pain-reducing,
comfortable position. There is no known cause of cluster headaches,
though a genetic or hereditary link has been proposed. The good news is
that chiropractic adjustments can reduce the intensity, frequency, and
duration of cluster headaches!

Sinus Headaches:
Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses) can be due to allergies or an infection
that results in a headache. This may or may not include a fever, but the
main distinguishing feature here is pain over the infected sinus. There
are four sets of sinuses. Many people know about the frontal (above the
eyes on the forehead) and maxillary (under the eyes in our cheeks) but
the two sinuses deep in head (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses) are much
less known or talked about. These two deep sinuses refer pain to the
back of the head, and when infected, it feels like the back of the head
could explode. Lying flat is too painful so sitting up is necessary.
Chiropractic adjustments applied to the sinuses, upper neck, and
lymphatic drainage techniques work GREAT in these cases!

Members of ChiroTrust® have taken “The ChiroTrust Pledge”: “To the best of my ability, I agree to provide my patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. I will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

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This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.